To:
Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins

No reduced bond for man who shot 8-year old in the face

Crimes involving children and gun violence should be treated with the severity and seriousness they deserve. Revoke Brian Cloninger's lowered bail and demonstrate that you will be vigilant in ensuring that justice is served.

Why is this important?

On September 3, 46-year-old Brian Cloninger was arrested after allegedly shooting 8-year-old Donald Maiden Jr. in the face. Brian Cloninger is white. Donald Maiden Jr. is African American. Cloninger admitted to bystanders that he had shot the child "because I wanted to."

But a Texas judge has now reduced Cloninger's $2.2 million bond by more than half, sending an appalling message about the value of Donald's life.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Cloninger was serving a 15-month probationary sentence for drunk driving at the time of the shooting. He was also charged in 2002 with driving under the influence in Palm Beach. Although he was not allowed to consume alcohol while on probation, police found a beer can in his truck after the shooting.

Dangerous people like Brian Cloninger should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but the child's family's request that hate crime charges be filed against Cloninger have already been denied.

I am outraged by the judge's decision to reduce Cloninger's bond. Crimes involving children and gun violence should be treated with the severity and seriousness they deserve.

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is fighting for stronger gun laws to prevent tragedies like this from happening, and also to hold criminals accountable when they target our children with gun violence. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families.

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Reasons for signing

Brian Cloninger can shoot a child in the face, without provocation. He needs to stay in jail so his victim is not traumatized any more... and to keep all other people safe. Dangerous people with disregard for life need to be in jail. PERIOD.

Annie K.
2013-10-12 11:05:12 -0700

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this is appalling! gun violence is out of control in our country!

Robin B.
2013-10-12 11:04:22 -0700

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Gotta stop the continuing racially-fueled terrorism that have plagued America since before the Mayflower whose arrival brought yet more terror.